FrieslandCampina acquires US-based cheese importer Jana Foods

05 Dec 2018 --- Global dairy cooperative Dutch Royal FrieslandCampina N.V. (FrieslandCampina) has acquired US-based cheese importer and distributor Jana Foods. According to FrieslandCampina, the acquisition is set to further enhance the company’s position in supplying Dutch specialty cheese to US consumers.

“This acquisition supports our strategy of investing for growth,” explains Roel van Neerbos, President FrieslandCampina Consumer Dairy. “This investment is in line with our strategy to grow our cheese business and strengthens our position in The Americas. This deal will allow us to offer consumers a wider portfolio of innovative products for the US market.”

Jana Foods imports and markets FrieslandCampina’s Dutch cheese in the US, along with other fine cheeses from the UK, Denmark, Australia, Ireland and other countries. Jana Foods has helped establish a strong position for FrieslandCampina’s international cheese with the distribution of Kroon, A Dutch Masterpiece and Gayo Azul cheese brands, according to reports.

Jana Foods will be integrated into the FrieslandCampina Consumer Dairy USA business, following the announcement. Dan Lynch, former owner and CEO of Jana Foods will remain involved in the business as Vice President Imports and Senior Commercial Advisor, reports the company. Financial details on the transaction have not, and will not, be disclosed, says FrieslandCampina.

FrieslandCampina products cover a wide range of specialty imported Dutch cheeses from mild, aged and smoked Gouda to Edam. Swiss Emmental and Goat Cheese also belong to the assortment, says the company. Also available in a variety of formats from wheels, loaves and wedges to slices, snacks and shaved, FrieslandCampina specialty cheese brands can be found in the deli section of supermarkets and mass merchandisers across the US.

FoodIngredientsFirst has reached out to FrieslandCampina for further details. 

Also this month, FrieslandCampina has debut new cheese products under the Frico brand. According to Frico, the company is excited to present new products to meet the growing consumer demand in cheeses. Based on the line of imported Dutch cheeses, these products include a Gouda Snack in convenient 20g portions packed 8 to a bag, a shaved Goat Cheese in a 5oz cup,  Cheese Slices in easy peel and re-seal packaging and a range of Cheese Loaves featuring Gouda, Maasdam, Emmental, and Goat Cheese.  

These new products join the existing line of Frico products. Frico products cover a wide range of Gouda, Edam, Maasdam, Goat Cheese and other Dutch cheese favorites, both in their traditional wheel and ball formats. 

“We are thrilled to debut these exciting new product offerings from Frico,” says Debbie Seife, Marketing Director at FrieslandCampina. 

“As a leading international dairy company, FrieslandCampina is ready to meet the needs of today’s consumer with superior products that cheese enthusiasts have called for and the Frico brand has answered,” she notes.